IMMEDIATE AWARDS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 3

IMMEDIATE AWARDS

GALLANTRY OF FOUR N.Z. SOLDIERS INCIDENTS IN EGYPT’S DEFENCE (Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) ~ Cairo, Aug. 7. The immediate award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal has been made to Sergeant Stewart Victor Lord, whose story of how he disabled two German tanks and captured 18 prisoners was sent in a dispatch from Cairo a few days ago. "On the night of 14th July, when his company was advancing on Ruweisak Ridge, tanks were encoun tered which were holding up the advance,” says the citation. "Lord led a small party toward one lank, took the crew prisoner and disabled the tank with grenades. A second tank nearby opened fire on the party and Lord immediately rushed the tank, killing the commander and again using grenades for its disablement. Lord has fought with distinction tlnoughout the campaign and set a worthy example to ms fellows.” Three more immediate award for gallantry in the New Zealanders' part of the defence of Egypt were announced to-day. They are:—Military Cross, Captain David Spence Thomson, Lieutenant Frank Edward Foster. Military Medal. Sergeant James Alexander Brown. A story of coolness and daring is told in the citation which covers Captain Thomson's decoration. On the night of 27th .June, during an attack on B-• Abu Batta. Thomson commanded a fn-. V ard company of the leading battalion. With great skill and courage he led the company which was responsible for the destruction of many machine-gun positions. Always in front and though wounded, he undoubtedly was personally responsible for a great deal of the success achieved. At the conclusion of the attack he would not report for medical attention, but collected his men and saw them safely in their transports. On succeeding days he made light of his wounds and carried on in a cheerful manner.

INSPIRATION AND EXAMPLE

"On the morning of 3rd July, during an attack against artillery of the Italiai Ariete Division. Thomson's company was again leading the battalion in th< attack. Once more through his skill personal courage and dash, while under heavy machine-gun, anti-tank and mortar fire, he was greatly responsible for the overwhelming success of the attack. Throughout this campaign, in Greece and in the second Libyan caminspiration and example, not only to members of his company, but also to all ranks in his battalion.” Foster won his decoration for gallantry at Minquar Quaim on 27th June. "With a small detachment of engineers. Foster was ordered to lay a belt of anti-tank mines across the mouth of a wadi toward which enemy tanks were approaching,” says the citation. "About half the belt had been laid when the tanks reached a position from which the New Zealand party could be seen. The enemy opened up with severe and accurate fire. Inspired by Foster’s example, the detachment unhesitatingly continued with the work. Within a minute, five had been killed and four wounded, but the others were contin - uing the job when ordered to withdraw. Foster then sent a few survivors away and himself went across to a three-ton truck loaded with mines, and. though wounded, drove it to safety. Foster's coolness and determination under intense fire was the inspiration of the fine conduct of the whole detachment." “In an attack across a fire-swept depression at El Mreir on 4th July. Brown’s aggressive action resulted in his platoon reaching its objective." says the citation. "Here Brown exposed himself for long periods in order to locate and neutralise enemy machinegun positions. Brown later recrossed the depression twice for weapons and rations. When his platoon commander became a casualty. Brown took over command and showed skill and determination in handling his men. His action was an inspiration to the whole company.